Use of limulus amebocyte lysate assay in the diagnosis of gram-negative bacterial meningitis

CSF specimens were obtained from 32 infants and children suspected of having bacterial meningitis, CSF specimens were cultured and gram- stained for bacteria according to routine bacteriology procedures. Specimens were also evaluated for leukocytic count, glucose and protein concentrations. The presence of endotoxin was tested by the Limulus amebocyte assay. Bacteria were isolated from 17 patients, the infecting organisms were H. influenzae type [b] [8 cases], Neisseria meningitidis [6 cases], group [B] streptococcus [2 cases], and streptococcus pneumoniae [1 case]. Limulus lysate assay was positive in all the 14 patients with meningitis due to gram-negative bacteria, while it was consistently negative on specimens taken from patients with meningitis due to gram-positive organisms or from patients diagnosed as having no or aseptic meningitis

Etiology of acute diarrhea in children: diarrheogenic escherichia coli and other infective agents

During a 5-month period, a total of 92 children diagnosed as having acute diarrhea-together with 25 normal children [controls] were enrolled in this study. The mean age was 35.5 months, children had complained of diarrhea for an average 2.6 days prior to being seen and had an average of 5.5 stools during the previous 24 hours. Rotavirus was the, most commonly isolated pathogen, it was found in 21.7% of all cases of diarrhea. ETEC was the most commonly isolated bacterial pathogen, LT and/or producing strains were found in 19.6% of stools. Other categories of diarrheagenic E. coli were found, EAEC was responsible for 2 cases, while EPEC was isolated from 6 cases. Other common bacterial pathogens included Salmonella spp. found in 3.3%, Shigella. spp. found in 2.2%, and Campylobacter jejuni coli found in 4.3% of stool specimens. Bacterial enteropathogens were identified in 41.3% of 92 patients. Oocytes of cryptosporidium were found in the stools of 5 patients [5.4%] and trophozoites of Entamoeba histolytica and Giardia lamblia were found in the stools of 3 patients [3.3%] and 6 patients [6.5%] respectively. Mixed infections were found in 5 cases

value of pupil examination in preterm and term newborn infants

One hundred newborn infants [70 preterm and term] were studied. The pupil diameter was measured by ophthalmic caliper and response to light was determined. The mean [- or + S.D.] pupil diameter in a dark environment [<10 foot candles of illumination] was 36 mm [ +/- 0.9]. The pupils did not consistently respond to 600 foot candles of light before 32 weeks postconceptual age, but responded increasingly thereafter. This progressive light response correlated significantly with postconceptual age, weight and Apgar score. Significant differences in the net miosis between infants with apgar scoring >7, those between 5-7 and those less than 4 scoring [P <0.05] were detected. The pupil diameter and net miosis also correlated with the duration of incubation and the need for admission to intensive care unit. This measurement of the pupil diameter and reaction to light may prove a mandatory part in assessment of the neonatal condition in both term and preterm newborn infants